Abstract

SALAZAR, Alondra; MUNIZ, Carlos  and  SALDIERNA, Alma Rosa. From Symbolic Participation to Political Participation in Children: A Qualitative Approach in Primary School Students. Desafíos [online]. 2021, vol.33, n.2, pp.178-208.  Epub Apr 20, 2022. ISSN 0124-4035.  https://doi.org/10.12804/revistas.urosario.edu.co/desafios/a.8219.

The participation of children in politics raises the issue of their recognition as subjects of rights, highlighting their potential as active citizens within society. To this end, Mexican legislation has established participation mechanisms that promote political involvement. Yet, we have much to learn about how such participation has evolved in practice, as it is usually limited to symbolic participation (tokenism), and about how political attitudes develop during childhood. To explore these issues, we conducted eight focal groups with 5 th and/or 6 th grade elementary school students from the state of Nuevo León, Mexico. Our results show that, beyond a passive attitude, there was a high level of interest from girls and boys in influencing decision-making about issues in their community, though with limitations as to its realization.

Keywords : Political participation; children; school; citizenship; education for citizenship; Mexico.

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